Spending commitments outlined by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves include investment in planning departments, more funds for heat pump grants, confirmation of funding for commercial hydrogen projects, and more cash for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero.

Government data records 17.1 GW of deployed solar capacity in the United Kingdom at the end of September 2024. New domestic installations are down on the same period in 2023, however, a growing pipeline of major projects with planning consent points to significant capacity gains in the future.

UK startup Space Solar has reached an agreement with Reykjavik Energy with a view to supplying 30 MW from space-based solar in 2030. Co-CEO Sam Adlen tells pv magazine the next steps include ground-to-air transmission demonstration and a kilowatt-scale solar satellite in orbit in three years’ time.

The allure of the open road is strong in the United States, where highways can snake through breathtaking landscapes. Recreational vehicles (RVs) make adventuring easy but powering portable homes with diesel generators is a poor solution for today’s travelers. Briter Products President Avanti Lalwani tells pv magazine how her company is putting solar on wheels.

Surge in battery storage installations shown in installer data from UK accreditation body MCS. While 2024 is comfortably the best year on record, MCS Head of Scheme Alex Hughes tells ESS News she would like to see even more solar installers take on a storage accreditation.

Deal for 50.03% of Lightsource BP leaves oil and gas giant with total control of renewables developer. Lightsource BP is expected to continue trading with a standalone operating model, retaining its independent brand.

Certification scheme MCS records another record-breaking year for heat pump installations in the United Kingdom, as well as the highest number of certified contractors on record. MCS Head of Scheme Alex Hughes discusses solar, storage and heat pump trends with pv magazine.

Octopus tariff will see customers donate fixed sum to fuel poverty charities for every kilowatt-hour of electricity exported to the grid. The utility is also offering free solar and battery installations for eligible customers receiving Warm Home Discount support.

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners announces two long-term agreements covering 100% of solar power generation at Cleve Hill Solar Park. British supermarket retailer Tesco has signed a 15-year agreement covering 65% of generation and Shell will manage remaining capacity under 10-year route-to-market deal.

The UK government has unveiled a cap-and-floor scheme to kick start investment in long-duration energy storage. The first round of applications is scheduled for 2025.